Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Ankeny, IA: $46,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Ankeny, IA earns a median $46,317/year (≈ $22.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Ankeny's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $51,236 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Ankeny, Iowa, presents a competitive figure of $46,317 annually, which is below the national median of $49,986. This local salary range shows substantial variation, starting at $35,569 and going up to $62,870. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price parities as of 2025. The Ankeny market benefits from a blend of corporate chain pay scales, such as those from VCA and BluePearl, which typically offer structured salary increments paired with enhanced benefits. Job seekers in this area can find opportunities across various veterinary settings, with corporate entities showcasing a preference for standardized compensation practices compared to individual or specialty practices.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,569 | $17.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,186 | $18.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,317 | $22.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,368 | $27.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,870 | $30.23 |
Median Salary Position
7.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ankeny
In Ankeny, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,301 (2026 est.). At $46,317, the local median is 7.34% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ankeny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ankeny Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Ankeny median: $46,317/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ankeny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,651 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -7.34% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Ankeny, IA earn a median of $46,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.34% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Iowa state average of $47,651.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ankeny has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ankeny, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,317 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,236 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$32,727
2025 BLS Actual
$43,902
2026 Current Est.
$46,317
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,727 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,598 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,145 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,433 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,529 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,627 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,902 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ankeny metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,727 (2019) to $43,902 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,137 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,569 – $38,186 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,186 – $46,317 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,317 – $57,368 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,368 – $62,870 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Ankeny
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently 16 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Ankeny. The cost of living index stands at 90.4, suggesting that while salaries may appear lower relative to national figures, the purchasing power for these professionals could remain favorable compared to other areas. Corporate chains often lead in compensation, particularly when positions involve specialized practices that require VTS credentials in areas like emergency care or anesthesia. Additional factors influencing pay disparities include whether one works in a specialty hospital versus general practice, with the latter typically offering lower wages. For those aiming to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Ankeny, pursuing specialty certifications can be particularly advantageous, alongside considering roles in high-demand emergency and specialty facilities that usually yield higher shift differentials and mentorship opportunities.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ankeny, IA in 2026?
Is Ankeny, IA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Ankeny?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Ankeny?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Ankeny?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Iowa
Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $43,902 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Ankeny metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ankeny is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov